Supplier Program Manager

Supplier Program Manager (Temporary Contract 12 months)

We are seeking an experienced Supplier Program Manager to oversee and expedite critical supplier performance for a leading OEM manufacturing company. The role focuses on ensuring key suppliers meet delivery schedules, specified requirements, and quality standards, and mitigate any risks that could impact production and revenue. This position will require significant offsite UK presence (4 days per week) at supplier locations, with the remaining time spent in-office for reporting, analysis, and cross-functional engagement. The ideal candidate will possess excellent program management, supplier relationship, and problem-solving skills to drive supplier performance while working collaboratively with internal stakeholders across procurement, supplier quality, engineering, and commodity management teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Spend 4 days per week offsite at critical and key supplier locations to oversee performance, identify risks, and expedite delivery.
2. Validate that key suppliers have identified their internal capacity and labor requirements to support the programs being ordered.
3. Monitor suppliers performing contract reviews, schedules, lead times, and production progress to ensure alignment with company objectives.
4. Proactively identify bottlenecks and work directly with suppliers to implement solutions.
5. Develop and maintain supplier progress plans and escalation processes.
6. Collaborate with procurement, supplier quality, engineering, and commodity management teams to resolve issues impacting timelines.
7. Ensure key suppliers adhere to agreed deliverables, escalating non-performance when necessary.
8. Spend 1 day per week in the office to update tracking files and progress dashboards.
9. Generate weekly performance and progress reports for stakeholders, highlighting risks, issues, and recovery plans.
10. Use data to identify trends and root causes of supplier delays or quality issues.
11. Act as the main point of contact for supplier-related program updates.
12. Engage internal teams proactively, ensuring support in mitigating supplier risks.
13. Provide regular updates to senior management and project stakeholders.

1. Proven experience in supplier management, program management, or expediting within a manufacturing or OEM environment.
2. Strong understanding of supplier processes, production planning, and supply chain management.
3. Ability to work effectively offsite with suppliers, building relationships and driving performance.
4. Excellent data analysis and reporting skills, with proficiency in tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and project management software.
5. Strong stakeholder management, influencing, and problem-solving abilities.
6. Knowledge of procurement, supplier quality, and engineering processes in a manufacturing environment.
7. Demonstrated ability to handle time-critical tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.

1. Experience in commodity management or working with complex engineering suppliers.
2. Previous experience in either Procurement/Purchasing manager, Commodity manager, Account manager, Supplier Engineer, Supplier Quality Engineer.
3. Understanding of quality assurance processes and supplier auditing.
4. Previous experience in an OEM or automotive, aerospace, or industrial manufacturing environment.

1. Results-driven and proactive mindset.
2. Strong communication and negotiation skills.
3. High level of resilience and adaptability to changing priorities.
4. Ability to work autonomously while maintaining alignment with company goals.

1. Duration: Temporary (length 12 months).
2. Travel: Significant travel to supplier sites across the UK (4 days/week).
3. Office Location: Based in the UK with 1 day/week in the office for reporting and analysis.